How to Quit Your Job Gracefully

A few years ago, I quit university and my subsequent job in order to become a writer. And they were two of the best decisions I have ever made.

But my circumstances were mine, whereas your situation is unique to you.

With that in mind, I’m not here to convince you to quit your job. That’s a call you’ll have to male for yourself.

However, if you have come to a decision, here’s how to do the deed with grace.

1. Be Sure. Be Really Sure.

The last thing you want to do is give your boss mixed signals, or worse yet, decide you want to remain at your job days or weeks after announcing your departure date.

To avoid embarrassment, and to save your boss a huge headache, make sure your decision is final before you deliver the news.

2. Be Flexible

If your boss needs you to stick around for a while, then try your best to do so – even if that means staying beyond the company’s official notice period.

The fact of the matter is, no matter when you announce your departure, it’s likely that your boss won’t have a plan already in place to replace you.

So, to avoid leaving your employers (and your colleagues) in the lurch, try to give them as much leeway as possible – without being crass about it in the process.

3. Tell Your Boss First (And Quickly)

Do yourself a giant favour and ensure your boss hears the news directly from you, before anybody else in the office gets wind of your impending departure.

Not only does this speak volumes of your professionalism, it also stomps out any chance of an office rumors circulating.

You also don’t want to delay telling your boss, as you want to give your employer enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

4. Avoid Gossip

Now that you’re leaving your job, you may be tempted to reveal some office secrets or bad mouth your line manager. Don’t.

Each one of your colleagues – including all your superiors and subordinates – should be seen as extensions of your professional network. They can all come in handy in the future, so don’t shoot yourself in the foot by being rude at any stage of your departure.

5. Don’t Slack

Handing in your notice doesn’t give you an excuse to slack off. On the contrary, you may need to impress your boss now more than ever.

If you’re trying to land a new job, you want a glowing recommendation – not one that highlights your laziness.

To give your boss a strong last impression in your final days, weeks, or months at work, give your job the same level of respect that you always did.

Burnt Bridges are Bad for Business

It’s in your best interest to maintain healthy ties with your former employers. You’ll need their references, their Linkedin recommendations, and perhaps at some stage in the future, a job within their company.So do yourself a favour and avoid burning any bridges on your way out the door by sticking to the five points listed above.